A truck driver was yesterday charged with causing the death of an elderly woman, who he allegedly hit after she managed to push her grandson out of the way of the vehicle.
Ravin Singh, 27, of Lot 46 North East Grove, East Bank Demerara, was granted his release on $1 million bail after being arraigned on a charge of casing death by dangerous driving at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The allegation against Singh is that on July 14, at the eastern carriageway of Avenue of the Republic, he drove motor lorry GNN 8476, with trailer TPP 2337, in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing Ram’s death.
The accused, who has been a driver with the Guyana Beverage Incorporated for the past three years, was not required to enter a plea to the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Judy Latchman.
No details other than those stated in the charge were presented in court. However, police, in a press release, had said that Ram, 73, of Triumph, East Coast Demerara, was struck down by a motor lorry on Avenue of the Republic, at the junction with Robb Street. She was later pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Ram’s daughter, Bonita Ram, had told Stabroek News that the woman was with her seven-year-old grandson at the time of the accident. Bonita said that her mother pushed her grandson out of the lorry’s way and took the full impact.
In an application for reasonable bail, attorney Deborah Kumar yesterday said that Singh has a strong defence. “Another person of interest is involved in the incident,” she said, while noting that eyewitnesses have stated that the deceased was struck by a minibus and not the truck her client was driving at the time.
She said that Singh was anxious to vindicate himself of the charge and requested an expeditious trial. She also said that since the accident, Singh has been required to report to the Brickdam Police Station periodically and has been doing so whenever required to.
The prosecution had no objections to the accused being granted bail, which was eventually granted. Singh was ordered to report to Court One for September 9, when his matter will be called again.
